What A Difference A Year Makes!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

This time last year we were about 4 weeks into the 7 weeks of crate confinement for Lucy after her CCL surgery.  Sophie was a wonderful Sister and stayed by Lucy's side and tried to be understanding of why she couldn't play.  We were all anxiously awaiting January when we would be spending the month at the beach in Florida watching the girls play in the surf and enjoy playing on the beach.  At times it seems like only yesterday and at times it seems like a long year.  It was the same day that Lucy was finally allowed outside off leash that Sophie got sick.  We spent the next month getting a diagnois and then the next 4.5 months doing chemo.  Instead of all of us playing on the beach during January we were home changing the dressing on the chemo burn on Sophie's leg twice a day.   March found us making the toughest decision we have ever had to make and saying good bye to our Sweet Sophie.  That was a heart breaking experience that I hope I never have to go through again and I never wish on anyone else. 

Lucy's Recovery Time

 Sophie Being a Wonderful Sister!

Sharing Their 5th Birthday!

 

In April we decided we all needed a little break and we needed to again get focused on Lucy and try and get some of the muscle tone built back up in her leg.  She sort of got put on the back burner when Sophie got sick and she was still limping some from her surgery.  We spent two wonderful weeks in FL, meeting some amazing DK friends and enjoying some sunshine.  Shortly after returning to Ohio we came home to a phone message from the DRC saying "Please call us, we have a special situation we need to talk with you guys about".  When we heard the story we just knew we needed to help.  That is when HONEY entered our lives.  We were hopeful that helping Honey would help us to heal from loosing our little girl.  Little did we know that the very next day we would get confirmation that our new baby would be joining us a few months ahead of our initial plans.  Two weeks later we drove to Michigan and picked up little AnnaBelle.  Our house that had been so quiet was now full of Doodle crazy once again.  Although the sadness was still there, we just couldn't help but feel the joy that surrounded us.  If I didn't know any different I would swear that Sophie is guiding AnnaBelle.  The first day we picked her up I know we said several times, "that is just like Sophie was".    Honey has obviously left us now after blessing our lives in so many ways.  She taught AnnaBelle many things before she left and we often comment on how she does this or that just like Honey did.  She was such a special girl and Lucy recognized that as well and they quickly became great friends.  She helped Lucy's leg muscles further heel with all of their playing!

 

Lucy Rehabing on the Beach in Florida!

Lucy's New Florida Friends, Daphne, Lucy and Bailey

My New Florida Friends! (Lori and Elizabeth)

My Special Girl Honey!

Our Early Surprise!

Doodle Heaven!

 

 

It is hard to believe that AnnaBelle was 5 months old yesterday.  She has been such a wonderful, easy puppy (in spite of those Land Shark days).  She is so loving.  She is so different than Lucy and Sophie were as puppies.  She has slept through the night until I open her crate in the morning almost since the first night.  There were maybe 3 nights I got up and took her out in the middle of the night.  She loves her crate, she loves her Sister and she loves being right where we are.  And by that I mean right where we are ... the same spot!  She wants to be touching you.  She was potty trained very easily, maybe 5 accidents in the house and those were mostly on the rug at the back door.  She learns quickly, but is stubborn as well.  She loves a bath and will gladly jump up on the grooming table to be brushed.  Even if she just got brushed and it is Lucy's turn.  She is kissey, but not over kissey!  Her puppy zoomies are adorable.  We have been doing lots of socialization training and she is learning to sit to be petted.  We are doing lots of loose leash walking/heel training because I'm adament that she will never be put on a training collar (my biggest mistake with Lucy and Sophie).  We haven't started formal training classes yet, but are doing lots of training at home.  She doesn't need any fancy treats, as she loves Lucy's food so we just use that.  She is doing really well on her Come, down, wait, sit, shake, high five and a little roll over.  However, the hand signal for STAY generates the crazies.  I don't know what it is about it, but it just makes her instantly jump up and start acting silly.  We will have to work on that.  I'm not sure if she is so different because she isn't a litermate, because she has big Sister Lucy (and Honey) to guide her, or if we are just smarter because of all we learned during the first five years with Lucy and Sophie and all that we have learned here in DK.  I''m guessing it is a little to do with all of them.

 

Here we are a year later and just this morning we left her in the wonderful hands of Dr. Jenny to be spayed.  It will be a long day and I can't wait to pick her up in the morning.  I asked if there was any way I could get her tonight and got a big NO.  The clinic is right outside Dr. Jenny's back door, so I know that she is in good hands.  However, tomorrow can't come soon enough.  The house is very quiet. 

Becoming a Big Girl, 5 Months!

We Now Have a Doodle That Likes To Fetch!  (I hope I don't someday regret that).

Lucy is Happy!A Moment of Calm!

So, what a year.  We survived the hand that we were dealt!  We came out of it and have managed to make some wonderful new memories because of it!  Hopefully this next year is filled with lots of exciting happenings as well, just please let them end with all the current family members present and accounted for.

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a saga with such highs and lows. I know all you went through with first Lucy then Sophie. You deserve to be in such a happy spot right now and I hope this next year brings much happiness and serenity.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Sheri, it is amazing how much stuff you can deal with and still stay sane. Wishing you all a future filled with health and happiness. Hope sweet Annabelle is home and resting. 

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Wow! What an incredible year! Once again, you manage to get the tears flowing. Both happy and sad. I am so looking forward to seeing you all again in January and meeting little AnnaBelle!Hopefully Honey and maybe Carol & Banjo! Oh what a fun thing to look forward to!!!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

BG -- You and I both.  It is so nerve wracking wondering if her personality is going to be what it needs to be.  I miss being out there and visiting so hope all goes well.

Becka -- We will have to stay in touch and hopefully you can join all of us for a little FL romp in January.

Lori -- We will definitely be visiting with Honey on the way to FL.  Can't wait.

Carol -- Looking forward to January.  We are going to have quite the romp this year.  Lots of doodles.

Annabelle is home now and she has not slept as much as I had hoped.  She seems to be leaving her stitches alone but seems a little itchy otherwise.   Maybe from the shaving her tummy area.  Just have to keep an eye on her.  Might have to use the cone for nighttime until we are sure.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Tears and smiles reading this. What a year, kid. A lifetime worth of dog experiences, both heart-warming and heartbreaking, all in one year! May the next bring only the good stuff, and lots of it. :)

[Leslie and Halas]

They are both adorable.  I love Lucy's smile!  I'm glad things are looking up.

[Carol and Banjo]

Tearing up all through this re-cap of your year Sheri.    Hopefully we'll get to meet you all next winter in Florida!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Tears and joy at the same time.  Quite a year.  I am so glad I have gotten to know you during that time (even if only in cyberspace)! 

I think you mentioned that you will be able to visit Honey on your way to Florida!  That's another blog I look forward to reading! 

You should have AnnaBelle home by now and I hope her recovery is smooth.  

Thank you for this wonderful blog.  

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Awww...Sheri, This made me cry. What a heartwarming blog. Mike and you are special people and I wish you all the best and nothing but happiness from here on out!

[Becka]

Thanks for this wonderful blog--totally heart-warming! Sadie would like to be Lucy and AnnaBelle's Florida friend too!